Annual Convention Promises Connection, Inspiration
Members will reconnect, form policy, elect officers, partake in breakout sessions, and hear from industry leaders during Montana Farmers Union’s annual convention Oct. 27-28 at the Heritage Inn in Great Falls.
This year’s keynote speaker is Sarah Vogel, the first woman elected as the North Dakota Commissioner of Agriculture, and the first woman to hold that position nationwide.
Vogel is attorney, advocate, and author of The Farmer’s Lawyer, who has dedicated her life to agricultural justice. She is a third-generation member of the Nonpartisan League, fighting for the little guy, including family farmers, ranchers, Native Americans, women, and small business owners.
Other highlights include experts on Made in Montana products, ag labor, ag advocacy, research in the field, and more! Enjoy an evening of live music from The Lucky Valentines! Plus: policy debate and elect officers!
Election Nomination Window Closes Sept. 11
Montana Farmers Union is accepting nominations for several leadership positions within the organization ahead of elections during the annual convention in October. Completed nomination forms must be returned via mail or email to MFU by Sept. 11.
Board positions up for election this year are: President for a two-year term, District 4 for a three-year term, District 5 for a three-year term, and Districts 1 & 2 At Large for a three-year term.
Other positions up for election in October are: Conductor for one-year term, and Doorkeeper for one-year term.
Nominating petitions for the President, board and other positions must be completed – including five nominating signatures from other MFU members in the candidate’s district – and returned to the state office via mail or email by September 11. Candidates must have been an MFU member for at least three years and be in good standing, as well as live and/or farm in the district in which they are running. Completed nomination petitions can be emailed to mfu@montanafarmersunion.com or mailed to: Montana Farmers Union, PO Box 2447, Great Falls, MT 59403.
Vendor Spaces Available
Vendor spaces are available during convention. Montana Farmers Union members will receive spaces at no cost. Email Peyton Cole at pcole@montanafarmersunion.com for more information or to reserve a spot. Space is limited.
Day Camp Available for youths 12 and under
A Day Camp option is available both days for families attending MFU’s annual convention. Children 12 and younger can attend the convention for free, with the Day Camp running from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day and offering fun activities. Registration is encouraged.
Scholarships for Students, Beginning Producers
Scholarships to cover the cost of attending MFU’s annual convention are available for students and beginning farmers and ranchers. The application form is available on the registration site.
Policy Committee to Meet in Person Ahead of Convention
The 2023 Resolutions Committee will meet in person from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Heritage Inn ahead of the convention’s start. Members can join the policy in person to submit policy resolutions for consideration. The committee also will meet at 7 p.m. via Zoom beginning this week. Members are welcome to join the hour-long calls to submit comment. Meetings will be held Sept. 6, 20 and 27, as well as Oct. 4, 11 and 18. Click here to join the virtual meetings and find MFU’s current policy here. Committee recommendations will be presented and debated/finalized by by members during convention.
